Frazil ice has been reported on the Wasi River and conditions remain favourable for frazil ice formation within the Wasi River near Wasi Falls as well as in other larger rivers with high water levels without ice cover, cautions the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
Frazil ice is super cooled water that forms small ice crystals throughout the flow that can attach itself to objects in the water, block the flow of moving water and causing flooding.
Cold temperatures, in particular the forecasted minimum overnight temperatures, combined with sustained winds, will provide ideal conditions for the creation of frazil ice on open fast flowing watercourses.
A very cold air mass has settled across the province resulting in a continuation of below normal temperatures throughout the area has prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to update the statement issued on January 16.
“Lack of ice cover and exposure of the water surface to cold temperatures and/or wind chills can trigger formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers, submerged rocks, and river banks. Water levels can rise quickly upstream of areas with frazil or anchor ice and lead to localized high water conditions or flooding in vulnerable areas,” said Susan Brownlee, NBMCA Duty Officer.
All residents, especially those in low lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold, fast moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Thursday, January 22 at noon.
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